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History - BDIA

History

From the early gold digging and pioneering days, Ballarat, with its strong civic minded people, has now developed into one of Australia’s great elegant and prosperous provincial cities and regional centres.

Following are some of the stories of people, places, events, buildings and industry through Australian Irish eyes.

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Events

In line with our Aims, we have several events planned this year and hope you can join us in celebrating our Australian Irish culture.

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Events - BDIA

Our Mission

Ballarat’s powerful and dynamic history is very much part of Australian history, with its stories of gold discovery, massive immigration, the diggers and life on the goldfields, Eureka Stockade and the stand for democracy, rapid urban and rural development, and finally the establishment of an elegant and prosperous city.

The contribution of Irish background to Ballarat’s social, cultural and industrial development is substantial and needs to be presented, celebrated, promoted and enjoyed.

The Ballarat and District Irish Association aims

 

  • To create the social interaction of people interested in Australian Irish culture
  • To foster the involvement and presentation of Australian/Irish music, dance, literature and poetry.
  • To support, facilitate and participate in special events and festivals.
  • To present and support cultural, heritage and history workshops/seminars.
  • To enhance the knowledge of and to encourage the development of a permanent record of the Australian Irish contribution to the development of the Ballarat region.
  • To assist interested members searching information concerning Irish/Australian ancestry and associated heritage.
  • To compile information concerning travel to Ireland as well as various locations throughout Victoria and Australia that have Australian Irish heritage and cultural significance.
  • To affiliate with complementary organisations – local, national and international.
  • To seek funding for relevant programs.
  • To organise a venue for regular meetings.
  • To consider the establishment of an Australian Irish Resource Centre.

Upcoming Ballarat & District Irish Association Events

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We use donated funds to hold events and run programs.

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Latest News

Patrick of Armagh.
16 June 2022
 by Mary Darcy

Patrick of Armagh.

St Patrick has for centuries been synonymous with the Irish and popularised throughout the Irish diaspora where St.Patrick’s Day, March 17 has been marked by street parades and public holidays. ‘Paddys’ is a term often used to describe Irish Catholics. The beautifully designed Catholic Cathedral in Liverpool in the UK is locally known as Paddy’s tepee!

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St. Brigid's Day
9 February 2022
 by Mary Darcy

St. Brigid's Day

February 1 marks the Feast Day of St. Brigid in the Christian Calendar but there is no simple story to define this woman and her place in history. There is even some doubt that she existed!

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Eureka Melbourne Democracy Walk App
25 January 2022
 by Peter Gavin

Eureka Melbourne Democracy Walk App

The Eureka Democracy Walking App Brochure has been developed to assist awareness and uptake of the digital App. Limited printed copies of the promotional brochure are now available.

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